3-D printed chassis structure with self-supporting ribs

The invention relates to a self-supporting 3-D printed chassis structure. Self-supporting ribs are selectively printed onto the walls of the structure to meet the desired dynamic stiffness goals while maintaining reduced mass. The self-supporting ribs may be used both as support structures (e.g., for outer walls) during 3-D printing, and may be used as reinforcement structures in chassis structure implementations. In one embodiment, the chassis structure is printed to do not require a support structure. Topological optimization enables the removal of the remaining unwanted internal ribs or supports, and can maintain a high internal volume between the ribs to maximize the utilization of parts. In various embodiments, the wall thickness may be maintained at or below 1-2 millimeters, which further reduces mass. 本发明涉及自支撑的3-D打印的底盘结构。将自支撑肋选择性地打印到结构的壁上，以满足所需的动态刚度目标，同时保持减小的质量。自支撑肋既可以在3-D打印期间用作支撑结构(例如，用于外壁)，也可以在底盘结构实施中用作加强结构。在一个实施例中，底盘结构被打印成不需要支撑结构。拓扑优化能够实现去除其余不需要的内部肋或支撑件，并且可以保持肋之间的高内部空间体积，以最大限度地利用零件。在各种实施例中，壁厚可以保持在1-